Stinging nettle, on its benefits and usage

Popularly known as stinging nettle, this leaf can be widely found on parts of Europe and Asia. It had the word ‘stinging’ because it causes irritation if the skin comes into contact.

But do not put this plant under the stereotype just because of its stinging effect because there is more than meets the eye for this wonder herb.

Even in ancient times, nettle leaf has become popular in treating different health conditions primarily that of arthritis. But aside from it, nettle leaves are also an answer to cure urinary tract infection, allergies, rheumatism, allergic rhinitis and high blood pressure.

The power of this plant is also beneficial to women as it relieves the pain of menstrual cramps and menopausal symptoms. Lactating mothers can also have a sip to help milk production. It also affects the health of fetus for a conceiving mother.

Nettle tea also boosts the immune system, as it is rich in antioxidants that fight free radicals. It is also friendly to the digestive system because it kills intestinal parasites and alleviates gastrointestinal disease, diarrhea and constipation.

When used as mouthwash, nettle leaves extract can also aid gingivitis and removes plaque from the teeth.

Since this plant has anti-inflammatory properties, patching the leaves or using it as a wash will alleviate skin irritations and eczema. It also treats dandruff and oily hair. Bleeding can also be stopped by putting a patch on the wounded area.

Due to its antihistamine contents, this wonder plant can also treat respiratory ailments due to allergens that are provokes the human body to have immune sickness. Say goodbye to runny nose, sneezing, cough and even bronchitis because sipping boiled nettle leaves will either cure or prevent such annoying illnesses.

While the nettle plant can be considered as an ‘herb that fits it all,’ some people may encounter stomach upset mildly especially if taken orally. Try reducing the intake if this happens. Also, seek professional help, especially if you are under medication as it can interfere the effect of some medicines.

http://laurenceourac.com/stinging-nettle-on-its-benefits-and-usage/

Share the Good Vibes, Smile!

One priceless way – both literally and figuratively – of finishing a perfect look is carving that beautiful smile on your face. In a sea of frowning, stressed, and anxiety-clouded faces, a smile is a ray of light that will make you stand out among the rest.

Smiling can be an involuntary action to something that pleases us; one that is hard to come by nowadays what with small things overlooked for the bigger picture. But more than to give life to an otherwise gloomy affairs are the many more reasons on why you should smile more often.

Social

Obviously, smiling has a direct relationship with our social relationships. This simple act has the power to make us more attractive and approachable, something that even your prized cosmetics can’t top.

One study suggests that smiling adds to the level of your attractiveness to the person you’re smiling at. Basically, it tells positive things about your personality, which is of course the best way to make new friends and widen the scope of your social interactions.

Another study about smiling tells that it is contagious. So, when you want to share those good vibes, all you had to do is smile.

Health

One way to look younger is through smiling. It lifts your face without the fear of side-effect, and the bonus? It’s free. Additional health benefits of smiling are it lowers the blood pressure and improves your immune system. Your body can function well due to at ease feeling you’re experiencing.

You want to feel good? Turn that frown into a smile. It is studied that smiling induced the release of serotonin and endorphins. They are the “feel-good” hormones responsible for making you happy.

Self-Improvement

Smiling is a big cardboard sign telling you’re a positive person. You may experience many down moments, but some beams of light will still manage to peek through your hazy mood once you cope up with the current situation through smiling.

The uplifting feeling does not end with you. It can spread to anyone you meet, projecting a good impression for you.

http://laurenceourac.com/share-the-good-vibes-smile/

You might be doing the wrong thing

Each one of us has our own way of doing things expressing ourselves. They are certain things we should avoid, or we should know about life. We might think that in our everyday life we are doing but we are expected to do.

However a big possibility is there that we are not doing the right thing and mostly we are doing it the wrong way. Here’s some ideas that you can see about life teaching us how to be responsible in our gadgets, in our workouts, even the way we peel fruits there are proper ways to do that. Let me show you.

Did you know that majority of people around the world use headsets and earphones the wrong way! Yes! The wrong way. We tend to put earphones directly in our ear not knowing that we should wrap it around our ears or coil it before putting it in your ear hole.

In styling our hair using bobby pins, we usually wear it with the wavy side on top, it should be worn the other way around having the wavy side under the desired hairstyle.

How about cupcakes? Yes, there is a right way of eating that. Remove the wrapper under your cupcake and slice the cake in half, put it on the top and eat it like your favorite sandwich.

Did you know that there is another way to peel a potato without using a peeler? How about simply putting them in a boiling water until you see it softens.

In cleaning your blender do you usually scrub from the inside? Oh! Oh! You should avoid that, put a dishwashing liquid and water to your blender and blend it, it will work like magic.

Those are just a few samples to make your life easier. You should try these helpful tips as this can be helpful to your everyday lives.

http://laurenceourac.com/you-might-be-doing-the-wrong-thing/

The magic of Soursop

Soursop is known as guyabano in some countries. This magical fruit is found in warmer tropical countries.

Did you know that soursop can kill cancer cells? Yes! This miracle fruit is one of a kind, not only the fruit, but also the other parts of the tree can be used as an ingredient to kill cancer cells.

It was discovered in 1996 that soursop seed can isolate a new compound that is selected cytotoxic to colon cells, in which it was 10,000 times of the potency.

Guyabano or Soursop

Because of its vitamin C contents, soursop can also boost your immune system, which is your shield to some unwanted disease. It can also prevent UTI or urinary tract infection. Vitamin C increases the urine’s acidity and reduces the bacteria’s presence.

For those who are constipated and has a digestion problems and some colon related diseases, here is a good dessert for you. Soursop can prevent constipation because of its fiber content which is essential for overall health of the digestive system.

Studies also showed that soursop has potassium content half as much as bananas. Its leaves are rich in sugar, thiamine and potassium which are all essential nutrients in boosting our body’s energy. It is also a good cure for some skin infections like acne, scars, inflammations and other skin problems.

You need to crush the leaves and apply it to the infected area of the skin. Soursop also helps increase our body’s good cholesterol level. This fruit is also good for people with less of healthy red blood cells or anemia because of its iron content.

Soursop

Soursop might surely help you with some health conditions. But still, healthy eating habits and healthy lifestyle is better to prevent those from happening.

Better not having any sickness than end up looking for a soursop when it’s not always around.

http://laurenceourac.com/the-magic-of-soursop/

The perfect give away for your wedding

Weddings are celebratory events in a person’s life, and because this is momentary the couple gets to invite their family, friends and loved ones to witness this with them and one factor that would make this event even more memorable is by leaving the perfect giveaway for those they have invited, to put into remembrance the celebration that happened on that day.

And because human beings are very sentimental creatures 21st century has created avenues to bring these remarkable events into remembrance in a more fun and exciting way. First of is the world domination of Photo booths. Photo booths became a booming business to photographers.

Normally during weddings, they would come and just take pictures and just sell them to those on the frames but 21st century doesn’t work that way anymore. With this, the photos are being taken by a hired professional photographer, booked and normally paid ahead of time by the couple and on the day of the wedding would build their booth at a corner which is in line with the motif or theme of the wedding and it would take and give instant photos whether it be a solo or normally a group picture.

People could be more playful on this because of the props available on the side for them to use and accentuate their photo. Another great way to plan a giveaway token for those who attended the wedding is the so-called “Candy Corner or Candy Bar”. Here, the guests would be given boxes or jars with the logo or initials of the couple or with a picture and thank you notes on the side.

They can enjoy creating their own feel or taste for sweets from cookies, to candies down to chocolate pies and more. Lastly, is the famous “Perfume Station”. Guests will be handed with mini perfume bottles and it also comes with a variety of scents that they could choose from.

All these are but a few of the bucket list of the giveaways available now in the market for your wedding, which would leave them with a fun give away activity that could be very useful for them and at the same time, leave the guests a remembrance of the remarkable time and experience they had on your wedding during this fun filled activity that you have shared and prepared for them to thank them for their support and all.

http://laurenceourac.com/the-perfect-give-away-for-your-wedding/

How to save a fortune on your wedding without demeaning it

Because of the innovations being carried out, people tend to spend more and more especially on their wedding. A wedding is a special occasion not to be neglected of its spiritual and moral value and not overbear because of its aesthetic value alone.

The wedding gown is an important detail for the bride, different cultures serve it on different plates but can never be overthrown by other details on the wedding, because the bride is the actual centerpiece or in the spotlight on this event more than the guy’s tux.

But before anything else, here are some tips to help you save a fortune for your marriage after the One Big Day event.

Plan ahead of time- talk to your partner about it, settle the amount and do write a budget that both of you are willing to save and spend for the actual wedding day, and mostly talk about your financial capability after the wedding itself as much as the wedding is important, the aftermath bears far greater because it is the start of forever for both of you as a couple and having the most extravagant wedding then left to ride a credit card after is not good stewardship.

Needs vs wants – also do make a separate list for your needs and wants for the wedding, then have it compared, then make compromises to meet your budget without suffering to borrow from your parents pockets or the banks and without having each of you blame and complain if things suddenly did not worked as planned.

DIY- This is the “Do –it -yourself” period, one that you should be thankful for, so instead of spending on pre made products such as save the date cards, invitation cards, gift/thank you cards, photo booth, giveaways, table centerpiece, bouquets, isle decorations and stuff, try to consider this first “Effort and Time will save you coins and papers” plus a time well spent with your soon to be partner in life for life.

So if you are planning on settling down, but still in the process of thinking twice, thrice, to 40,000x, because of the normal overwhelming budget for weddings now a days and before even asking support or sponsors from your loved ones, now is the perfect time to put more faith forward adding a little work of the hands would mean so much difference.

Sponsors would help, but a little more effort would truly cut the rope of expenses down, leaving you only full of excitement to look forward to what you and your partner has created together for those whom you will share this wonderful event with.

http://laurenceourac.com/how-to-save-a-fortune-on-your-wedding-without-demeaning-it/

Natural curls for your locks

When a hairstyle works, it makes anyone feel beautiful and good inside and out. But that look does not just appear naturally for most people, there are only a few that are lucky to have a hair that looks perfect all the time.

Nowadays, there are so many hair products on the market that can be applied as a styling tool and processes. And setting up a morning routine to do your hair can take longer and be time consuming depending upon the style one is looking to achieve.

Many hairstyling products are quite expensive. Though it tells a story of how nourishing and effective it is still prepared with lots of chemicals that are not good for the hair. The same goes for curlers, curling irons and blow dryers that can do countless hairstyles.

Creating big and beautiful Curls, waves and volume without the use of any of these pricey and chemically items is easy if you know the secret in preparing a natural solution that will do the trick.
How great is it to be able to create styling products from items that are already in your kitchen or just in the bathroom sink that can work with your hair and no more causing of damage as you get the style you are looking for.

To achieve curls or deep waves combine together one tablespoon of sea salt, one teaspoon of lemon juice with three cups of hot water into a spray bottle. After washing your hair and toweling it dry, just spray this natural solution on your hair. Use your hand to scrunch the hair to create those waves and curls and just let your hair naturally dry.

To gain extra volume to your hair, combine equal parts of salt and hair conditioner together. After washing your hair as usual apply this soft paste solution to your hair and work it through. Let it sit on the hair for ten minutes, then rise hair thoroughly and style your hair with the hairstyle you want.

http://laurenceourac.com/natural-curls-for-your-locks/

Leftovers no more, a guide to food recycling

There are quite a number of moments when we have ordered too much from that Chinese restaurant and never had consumed everything we paid for.

We have filed our gullets with food that we can only take and after the enjoyable battle in eating, we found out that there are still respectable amounts of food left that can even feed a family of three.

We thought of the people who have been thriving hard just to put meals on their plates and yet, we sometimes find ourselves having more than what we need. And so we succumb into the most logical idea of preserving the guilt by stacking on leftovers in the fridge.

And soon as we move on to the next day, we never even bothered opening the foiled sums of food and let them wither away until the next cleanup. Wastes of food meant a waste of money and as soon as this thought strikes a chord, then equip yourself into recycling leftovers as much as you can.

One thing that you might want to consider before experimenting is the shelf-life of the food that you wish to revamp. When you deem it still passed your very own consumption guidelines, then you’re definitely good to go.

You also would want to bear in mind that no food can be recycled as limitations to the origin of the food, the type of food itself and other factors which includes, but not limited to, spoiling and reheating capabilities would really matter.

If there had been a huge party held at your house and find yourself looking at trays and trays of deviled eggs unattended, then think of a huge platter of egg salad and keep yourself busy chopping onions for it.

The huge platter of poultry left can be turned as chicken soup with a generous amount of chicken meat, feisty chicken sandwiches, turkey casseroles and pies. Vegetables which aren’t devoured by your meat-loving family can all be infused into creating a savory vegetable soup which is good for your body.

Leftover hams can be flipped as a substitute for your usual pork and beans, as an add-on to your meatloaf and can be a savory ingredient in your starter broth. If your breakfast session had been hurried and you ended up with untouched mashed potatoes, entice the whole household by using it in creating your very own Shepherd’s Pie.

With the use of your very own microwave, reheating will never be an issue. Use your creativity and always think of ways on how to make your leftovers their better versions. Not only you’re saving sums of money and refrain you from always surrendering your churning stomach to the hands of fast-food chains.

This is also an avenue for you to stretch the food that you purchase, exercise the inner chef that’s been hiding in your subconscious for far too long and amaze your loved ones by this pragmatic move of leftover food recycling.

http://laurenceourac.com/leftovers-no-more-a-guide-to-food-recycling/

Here are the things you probably do that contribute to weight gain

When you’re following your diet strictly to the last word and your exercise exactly to the prescribed routine. Chances are you’re very much excited to step on the scales and see how far you are from achieving the best bod.

Even if you haven’t shed that ten pound mark at the end of the week, a pound less would still be understandable. But when that tiny little hand keeps on edging up to higher numbers, you’re excused to think for a while that weighing your weighing scale just broke down, but after you’re slapped with the cold hard truth that it’s you all along, it’s high time that you trace your steps and point where did you go wrong.

To keep a profile of the things that may have contributed to the scales creeping up, here are the most probable activities you keep on doing.

LACK OF SLEEP

It’s the modern world people where sleeping at 6 pm even 8 pm is the thing in the past. Sleeping late at night could have been excused if we get hours to sleep. But when your schedules are tight and sleeping is out of the way, it’s here we get a problem.

Studies suggest that people who experience the lack of sleep is more likely to gain weight the lack of sleep will make one crave for food in order to make up for the low energy. You may think that the low-fat food you’re helping yourself right now will blot the fact that you’re having an extra meal contrary to just three.

Most likely not, since that this diet food may still have high sugar content and help it add up to your calorie intake. Apart from that, the lack of sleep may also contribute to mindless eating where you unconsciously dip at the bowl of popcorn while watching the TV.

One way to get you around is to be knowledgeable on the food labels. Another way is keeping track of your diet through food diary. However, the latter won’t work if you’re not truthful about what you’re really eating.

DRINKS

We’re a lot mindless of what we drink than what we eat. The count of “What-to-watch” when having a diet doesn’t end with solid food. We all know that fizzy drinks such as cold have high-calorie content. But apart from that are fruit juices and alcoholic drinks.

In an article about weigh gain shocker in WEBMD, two glasses of white wine can content 380 calories and that can equal to four chocolate biscuits. Even if you just have one, that’s still 175 calories in a few minutes.

STRESS

That is another factor that can lead to weight gain. But what makes stress “more problematic” pun not intended is we can’t keep falling for it. There are times that situations would arise and trigger some stress.

Emotional eating can be triggered by stress. It helps bury the overwhelming situations for a while; so even if we’re not hungry, we keep searching for that stash of food. Apart from that, research also suggests that stress can make us feel low on energy. In order to cure that, we tap on food to keep us afloat during those days.

A more direct link of stress to gaining weight is when the extra energy in our brain and muscles is stored as fat. Stress fuels an adrenaline rush in our brain and muscle activity while reducing the activity in our digestive system slowing your metabolism.

Stress can also keep you up at night, resulting to more eating.

You can avoid stress eating by relaxing in the different way like a trip to the spa. If you can’t resist eating apply your knowledge on what treats should you more pounds and skip those. Just make sure you don’t eat every minute; it still pretty much defeats the purpose.

http://laurenceourac.com/here-are-the-things-you-probably-do-that-contribute-to-weight-gain/

Dinnertime is family time

Older times have the round table a bevy of laughter and playful banter from the littlest child dirtying his or her bib to adults and “wishing-to-be-adults” having a spontaneous conversation; now as the time goes by, the then packed table gets less and less crowded until mealtimes become a solo affair.

In between tight schedules and overwhelming responsibilities may it be in work, in school, or in the community, the time that is supposed to be spent with the family gets less and less.

Importance of Mealtimes with the Family

More than before, families need to spend at least one meal a day together at this time, especially for the children, who spend most of their time learning new things without the supervision of parents. 

With a lot of outside influences that may or may not be good for the child, mealtime is one way that can help provide a strong and proper guidance to the child.

Another importance of being complete during mealtime is it builds a strong bond between family members. Issues and concerns are discussed properly on the table due to the ingrained respect for blessings, which in this case are the foods on top of the table.

On the physical benefit, homemade meals provide proper nourishment that the fast food lacks.

Cause of Separate Mealtimes

It’s undeniable that we have a lot of responsibilities today than in the past, even at just a tender age. 

It’s either you have lots of assignments and projects or you have extra-curricular activity outside school that have you skipping mealtime. For the adults, it’s usually work that’s eating their time, which results to dinner times with a few absent family members. Yet, that isn’t the worst.

There are times that you may all be present, but the conversation has long since died, because each is busy with their smartphones, laptops, and other digital distractions.

Conquering the problem

Aim to alter the current dynamics of the family. Take control and start by turning off devices hindering the flow of conversation. Though preferably a daily affair, start with two to three times of dinnertime a week with the family.

Make it an enjoyable time, too. You don’t have to hurry. Encourage spontaneous and positive conversation with the family and let them take part in the preparation before the meal and after cleaning.

One way to make mealtimes an exciting affair is by trying different recipes and incorporating them to your family member’s favorites. Try setting different type of cuisine on occasions if not daily.

Yes, the planning may take considerable time, but in the end, it will be a time well spent.

http://laurenceourac.com/dinnertime-is-family-time/

You can’t hurry eating, you just have to wait

People nowadays are always observed to be on the rush. With timed hours for eating when at work or when errands are piling up within so little time, we tend to do all other ‘unimportant’ things hastily. We have cramped so many activities within the day leaving little room for even relaxation.

We are victims of the hurried lifestyle that’s blatant all across the world, and we are left with a body that’s unhealthy, a broken strain of thought and a chaotic day-to-day life. Yes, we might have left some ample time to eat, but are we really eating the right way? All of us had this protocol of chew-and-go attitude towards food, and it’s about time to know why allotting time for eating is definitely more important than we think it should.

When we eat, we expect our stomach and all its accompanying organs to digest the food for us. We can all nod in agreement that this might be true but digestion isn’t really starting with the stomach but with our mouth. Scientifically coined as ‘mastication’, this is the very act of crushing and grinding food using our tongue, teeth and mouth.

To reiterate and bring your Science class back to life, mastication is the first step of digestion and the most overlooked phase that people don’t care much about. Mastication is one of the most efficient bodily activity that performs its’ original function when done and carried out properly.

During this process, all food intakes would be processed by means of grinding it with your set of teeth. Your cheeks, tongue and all other facial muscles would guide your mouth on as to how it would be chewed as it’s expected to be.

The repeated action of grinding the food we eat makes the food softer and warmer and the enzymes being emitted through saliva then breaks down the carbohydrates even at this early stage. The saliva coats the food we’re devouring with amylase and lipase which are responsible in properly digesting fats, sugars and starches in the mouth.

The very act of chewing and moving your mastication muscles not only is concentrated on the mouth area but this also sends some signals to other bodily organs responsible for digestion.

Your stomach and intestines would receive signals through chewing that it should prep in releasing acids that will process food once it is gulped down the digestive track. Mastication is also responsible in waking up your pancreas in sending juices to your intestines as lubricants while the food is being broken down.

When mastication is thrown down the bin and not performed well, there’s a bigger chance that the food you’re eating would stay longer on your intestinal track.

This stagnancy would then result to slow digestion, hence, fats being built-up on your tummy, and some being sent to other parts of your body.

Not enough saliva secretion would lessen the coating of the food and poor performance when it comes to the movement of vitamins and minerals all throughout your body.

Chewing food more would also mark down risks of heartburn, stomach cramps, acid attacks and stomach refluxes.

Mastication is also another form for one person to really enjoy the food that they have cooked or paid for, and eating is an experience wherein you need to savor every jumping flavor, not run away from it and hasten things away.

http://laurenceourac.com/you-cant-hurry-eating-you-just-have-to-wait/

Overview: Plethora of soaps

The existence of soaps in our lives is no doubt a necessity more than a call of whim. It’s been an important part of life since being healthy is also synonymous to being clean.

Soap’s chief function has benefited the body’s largest organ which is skin. Removing dirt and bacteria has come to be its main objective and the changes and innovation on making better versions has been the constant pursuit of companies and laboratories.

The history of soap can be tracked back during the era of Babylonians, Mesopotamians and Egyptians in 2800 BC. Primary ingredients include fats, oils and salts however the usage is intended for cleaning things instead of for bathing.

Today, soaps can be grouped in different categories. Personal soaps, or commonly called daily soaps are those that are designed to feed a particular need. Antibacterial personal soaps are used to combat bacteria residing on the skin.

Moisturizing daily soap is intended to restore and supply additional moisture needed by the skin. Anti-aging on the other hand helps alleviate the signs of aging – this kind is especially catered women who wants to impede the visibility and signs of aging. It is believed that liquid kind of personal soap is milder than of solid form because it has gentler formulation that does not remove skin’s natural moisture.

Medicated soaps are being used to target and cure skin conditions. It is important to seek the advice of a health professional before using medicated soap since most have active ingredients that can worsen the skin problem if not used properly.

Laundry soaps are used on washing clothes and can be found in a powder, bar or gel form. These are lightly formulated soaps that specifically removes dirt, grease and stains on our well-loved clothes.

Kitchen soaps come generally into two forms, cleansers and dish detergents. Dish detergents are made to remove tough grease and solid particles. Cleansers target hard to remove stains and contain mild abrasives.

http://laurenceourac.com/overview-plethora-of-soaps/

On Facing Loneliness

Life is a cycle of unforeseen events. There you are feeling at the top of the world then something would come knocking right at the doorstep of your happiness delivering a totally opposite circumstance that is against the path you thought you are towards heading. Welcome, there goes loneliness and other emotions that can be accompanied by abandonment, desolation and disappointment.

We know it is a part of life. And we know it does not happen once. That it happened before, can be happening now and can happen again, in many other times in the future. While we understand how it feels to some extent, we still cannot remove the fat that loneliness is a kind of emotion that if given a chance, would like to shoo away. Permanently. Yes, those sad, darker days.

But how can a person cope while in the middle of a sorrow? Dear, understand that gloom is just an emotion. And it will eventually pass. Trust that things will work out and reach its end in its proper time. Respect the emotion but do not dwell on it. It’s not a happy place to be at and no one wants to breathe in the living of despair. Use awareness as your start line. Understand the kind of loneliness residing in you and know that it is just there temporarily.

Do not be afraid to reach out. Surround yourself with strong support group that brings out the best in you. Spend time with family and friends. Some may have a tendency of spacing out and withdrawing from the eyes of crowd but know that being with people who uplifts your spirit is more helpful than dealing with loneliness all by yourself. Studies show that repeated uttering of emotion can alleviate the negative feeling.

Use the emotion to be more compassionate. You know how worse it feels like. Feeling loneliness helps you understand the situation others are in even if they are of different circumstance than you are. It’s like having a part of your self with others. Make this as a tool on having better relationship with the people around. Be kind and always ready to extend a hand on those who needs help. You’ll get to see how compensating and enlivening it is to your own existence.

Trust that everything happens for a reason and aim that one’s done, the loneliness you have experienced will leave you with a stronger and more resilient heart.

http://laurenceourac.com/on-facing-loneliness/

Brain Game: Tips on Achieving Better Memory

Memory plays an integral part of the human existence. And we know how exasperating and mind consuming it is even on slightest things. We always associate good memory with intelligence.

Generally, we always perceive those with photographic memory being sharp and quick witted. But hey, you can too. Never again limit the capacity of your brain and unlock its fullest potential by doing ways for improvement for a better you.

It’s a cliché to associate memory loss with aging. While this is true, recent studies show that other human activities contribute to the dwindling of one’s memory. Stress, smoking, drug intake and vitamins deficiency are some of the major factors for the memory to go downwards. But it is never late, follow these tips and get an enhanced version of your memory.

Exercise the brain – synonymous to physical exercising that targets the body, brain can also be exercised through word games, crossword puzzles and reading. Doing brain challenges and feeding the mind will definitely stretch and widen the brain’s capacity.

Focus – It is said that multitasking is a killer when it comes to brain empowerment. Handing numbers of tasks at hand al at the same time is believed to be considered as distraction and will just create confusion with the brain’s flow of process. Try focusing one matter at a hand.

Use your Senses – Scientists claim that a memory will retain into one’s head when he or she used two or more senses. Incorporate sense of smell, touch, sight, hearing or tasting for the information be etched better onto your memory.

Good Sleep – Sleep is the body’s way of revitalizing itself. The brain will have optimal function once it gets the right amount of rest that it needs. While sleep, the brain puts together all the added information it has acquired.

Do It by Groups – Sometimes, the situation requires for the brain to hold much information at a time. It is best to remember things by group instead of part by part. This is a kinder way for the brain to remember chunks of information at a given time.

http://laurenceourac.com/brain-game-tips-on-achieving-better-memory/

Keeping garden pests at bay organically

And so you have started your dream of putting up a garden. You have done everything that the dummy book had given you — picked the right plant suitable for your location, weighed the soil accurately before putting it in a pot, readied your gardening tools and even purchased the most modern ones, plucked any unnecessary weeds that you deem harmful, watered and manicured the plants when the situation calls for it.

All of which are proven techniques in keeping the greens bountiful, until one innocent day, you noticed that the leaves are being spotted with gaping holes, or the stems being gnawed and chewed at and with an alarmed sense of urgency, you have melted by the thought of it circling your well-attended garden. Pests are slowly building an empire at the base of your rose plant, and all you think of is getting rid of them as soon as you possibly can.

Ideally, it is best that you get rid of pests the most natural and organic way. Using the harshest of chemicals might not only damage the plant that you’re taking care of, but these can harm your family members, too. The first step in removing bugs or pests from your supposed garden heaven is to know firsy what types of insects to exterminate. Depending on the type of plant you’re growing, there are certain pests who are actually beneficial than being a nuisance to plant development. Pick the insects or pest families who feed on your plant or vegetable, and leave the ones who cultivate soil and circulation.

When you’re on the move in manually plucking out bugs from your plants, prepare a container of water since this is where you’d put the pests in. If you’re not in the mood in feeding them off to your birds or poultry, let the pests drown in water. Make sure to put the container as far from your garden as possible to avoid a repetitive infestation and make sure that the pests would be exterminated by this very simple task.

Removing the pests manually and crushing them out on the very leaves would also the trick. Doing this technique would send signals to other underlying pests and they would definitely avoid the area where you have squished the dreaded insect. While doing the pest or bug extermination, be also extra careful in carrying out the task as some might sting or strike, but generally speaking, the bugs that are prevalent on home gardens are harmless.

If you want to do a mass extermination of your somewhat big garden, prepare yourself into crafting an organic spray that will not be harmful to anyone aside from the pests you want to scratch off. Put cut-up garlic, mint and hot red peppers into a boiling pot of water, let it cool down after a couple of hours, strain it and put them into containers. This natural way of killing bugs would still require you to wear safety gloves when at use.

http://laurenceourac.com/keeping-garden-pests-at-bay-organically/

Be your own miracle when doing your groceries

Doing the grocery seemed one of the easiest chores in any household but many people still find this task a bit baffling. The mere fact of being hurtled with a thousand brands to choose from, to the arduous action of going over your usual grocery in a matter of minutes and the painstakingly difficult perusing of your long-laden grocery list — all of these sending some people bonkers.

While there are few selected souls who have gotten the art of finishing their grocery shopping without even lifting a finger, many are still lost in the labyrinthine jungle of boxed food, canned goods and the fusion of detergent smell and insect killer. If you’re one of the confused few, then below are some tips that will get your carts moving and your mind racing to this chore effectively.

Before setting off to your county’s biggest supermarket, do a clean sweep of what you lack and what you need. Scan every unopened cupboard, check the contents of your fridge and do a quick run through of your pantry so as to end up with a comprehensive list of what important things to buy.

Remember that the grocery is such a huge avenue for you encounter the things that can lure you into impulsive buying, but being incredibly organized with a furnished list can cut your time. Aside from that intensive scanning, you might also want to think of the meals you’re planning to cook for the week. While this is anti-climatic to the task of buying resources, experts are confident that people have plans set even before the grocery chore kicks in.

Every once in a while, people like to reward themselves of things even it is utterly unnecessary. And if you want to inject this luxury of satisfying yourself, limit it to three specific items, nothing more, and nothing less. Saving while shopping is also human nature so better be ready with your coupons and brave the cashier into presenting them. Also be alert if an item is on sale, analyze it well and see if this would really help you saving some bucks. Clearance sales that normally happen every end of each month is something that you need to bear in mind, and always keep your ears and eyes open for possible reductions in price.

Being well-aware of how you consume food is also an essential part of effectively doing your grocery. If the family that you’re in is more of a coffee drinker than a soda lover, bank more on coffee rather than beverages. Cut down on food that you don’t normally eat and always invest on things that you consume for the rest of the week. Always pave way into doing your fruits and vegetables, instill a healthy lifestyle through the food you pick and think of the wellness that will result if you do your grocery shopping right.

http://laurenceourac.com/be-your-own-miracle-when-doing-your-groceries/

Are you Scrubbing the Right Way?

Ever feel itchiness, redness of dryness after scrubbing? Uh-oh. You must have done it the wrong way.

We all want to have a smooth glowing face. One way of attaining this is through exfoliation by the use of facial scrubs. This can be done at home and serves as an easy fix especially during the days where laziness hits us and going to facial salons feel like more of a heavy task.

But since this way of beautification is accessible – very accessible for that matter, most are guilty of overdoing it. A definite no no because too much scrubbing can cause irritation. Remember, we are aiming for beauty and this mishap will totally bring the opposite result.

Ideally, skin scrubbing should only be done once a week and should be massaged on the face on a very gentle manner. Consider being polite onto the skin by ‘performing the massage in light, circular strokes. This promotes proper circulation of blood flowing on small veins of the skin.

Make sure that all areas are covered from the forehead, chin cheeks till the sides of the ears. Wash thoroughly. Make sure to get it all off. Continue washing with water into an upward light motion until total cleanliness and softness is achieved. Afterwards, dry the skin with a clean towel.

Do not be harsh on the skin and just pat it dry. Keep in mind that you just sloughed up the upper layer of the skin and what’s left is the new skin that’s still susceptible to being harmed brought about by excessive wiping. Doing this will defeat the core purpose why you scrub which is to reveal the younger skin underneath.

But let us face it, we are not perfect and prone to human error. What to do when you become a victim of over sloughing? Calm down dear for effects can be alleviated by taking care of the skin the right way.

Put an ice pack onto affected area to lessen the redness and to calm the skin. You may also use other natural calmers like green tea and chamomile. Give the skin time to rejuvenate before doing the next scrub session.

http://laurenceourac.com/are-you-scrubbing-the-right-way/

Fathoming Shampoo Bars

Make way as the new version of hair cleanser comes to fold. You may now put those liquid shampoos inside your rest room cabinets and resort to the new kind of shampoo found in a bar form.

Saying goodbye to accidental spills and leaks is now possible and travelling is made easy since amount restriction will no longer be an issue because this kind is a solid shampoo.

Shampoo bar is the new trend when it comes to mane cleaning. These delicious looking bars may feel weird since we are all accustomed on having our shampoo being poured out from a bottle.

So aside from the physical form, what makes shampoo bar unique and different?

Shampoo bars are your organic choice. What’s good about this is that it does not contain SLS/SLES or sodium laurel sulfate/sodium laureth sulfate, a kind of chemical found in majority of conventional shampoos. This chemical is responsible for liquid shampoos to lather however side effects include itchy scalp, dry hair and even hair loss.

Since shampoo bars do not have the presence of SLS/SLES, it does not lather much but the good side is that it does not remove the natural oil from the hair being produced by the body, thus retaining the moisture which is a preventive measure for having dry scalp and hair. It is gentler that works perfect especially with those who have sensitive scalp.

Because shampoo bars are designed to have herbals as primary ingredients, rest assured that each type is designed to target specific or even combination hair problems.

Proper storage is also definitely different. While liquid shampoo is being placed in inside a bottle that sometimes takes up an amount of space, solid shampoo on the other hand calls for dry storage.

Put it on a soap dish in a dry nook of your shower to lengthen its life span. Using solid shampoo for the first time may have the hair not to respond well that’s why the use of clarifying shampoo or doing vinegar rinse is suggested especially for those who are in need of adjustment period.

This will not take long though. Just c the long term benefit of feeing your hair all natural cleansers that will not do harmful effects in the long run.

http://laurenceourac.com/fathoming-shampoo-bars/

Put Caffeine at Bay and Be Energized Naturally

We cannot defeat the fact that coffee is our reliable drink when it comes to attaining instant boost especially on those lazy and sleepy days. However, we get to rely to it so much sometimes that we go beyond what normal intake should be.

Studies have shown that over drinking coffee has negative effects that may lead to long term health problems. Conditions being linked to too much coffee consumption includes high cholesterol, heart disease, high blood pressure and even osteoporosis.

We all know how kind of a struggle it is to drag thy self on being up especially during mornings to do and perform daily functions and responsibilities. It is some sort of a love – hate relationship that can affect one’s productivity.

That’s why we opt for a cup of coffee to combat the drowsiness away. Average intake should be three or four cups a day but since the effect only lasts for three hours, people tend to reach for more cups to stay up and functioning.

While caffeine intake is an easy fix, why not try resorting to more natural way of being energized all throughout the day?

Here are some tips on getting the energy needed to stay awake all day:

Get Enough Sleep – this needs no in depth explanation. Having enough rest allows the body to collect the energy it needs. When the body is recharged at the amount it needs, focus and mental alertness can be obtained.

Exercise – Not only for strengthening the body in general, doing regular exercise boosts the body’s energetic state and retains alertness.

Listen to Up Beat Music – Studies show that listening lively music improves mood and makes the mind awake.

Low Carb Snacks – Eating happy foods like berries, oranges and apples boost the energy. Try staying away from meats and dairy products since they can cause the body to feel sleepy at times.

http://laurenceourac.com/put-caffeine-at-bay-and-be-energized-naturally/

Health Guide: Cook with Kinder Oils

No frying and sautéing is complete without the presence of cooking oils. These types of oils is either one type of fat or combination of one or two kinds. We know how fats are being looked into as something that is hazardous for the health especially if received by the body in the amount more than that’s required. Some diseases linked with eating too much food that underwent oil cooking – specifically frying includes heart problems, high cholesterol, diabetes and cancer.

Well, worry no more as kinder kinds of cooking oils are made available to lessen the risk of dreadful diseases.

Coconut Oil – Popularly known to have good cholesterol level, coconut oil is said to be one of the best cooking oils to use because it contains Lauric Acid, the kind of fatty acid that helps on improving cholesterol. Other benefits include better heart health, supports weight loss, metabolism and proper functioning of thyroid glands

Olive Oil – Studies show that extra virgin olive oil has contents that reduce the risk of cancer. Popularly, olive oil is known to be beneficial for the heart because it improves cardiovascular health that is perfect for combating heart problems like stroke and coronary heart disease.

Avocado Oil – Aside from the buttery flavor it can add to your dish, avocado oil is heart friendly because it has direct influence with the a person’s cholesterol level. It even surpasses olive oil when it comes to the said field. Aside from that, Avocado oil is also beneficial to eyesight and ideal to the absorption of fat-soluble anti oxidants.

Almond Oil – Aside from Vitamin E that is responsible for glowing skin, almond oil also offers improved cardio vascular health due to its cholesterol-lowering effects.

Macadamia Nut Oil – This kind of oil is infused with a generous amount of health benefits like of Vitamin E, antioxidants and squalene that are good for cellular regeneration and skin protection against free radicals.

http://laurenceourac.com/health-guide-cook-with-kinder-oils/

Pedal your way to a healthier existence

On the very first time that we were able to ride a bicycle, balance on it perfectly and run a good number of meters while riding it, it is no doubt one the best feelings in the world that we’re able to experience. The joy and freedom of maneuvering a bicycle is such an elating act that we, as kids, have exercised while it is still deemed appropriate.

But then we have outgrown the excitement and have immersed in a world where everything is done in a blur. We matured and get ourselves a decent job, exercised our will to buy cars or use paid modes of transportation and only thought of riding a bicycle when we hit the gym after a long day of work.

The real ones are rusting in the backyard, waiting for another kid to find enjoyment through biking. How have we discarded bicycling when it’s more beneficial to us now that we’re adults? To shed light on this normally shooed topic, listed below are some of the benefits and thrills of riding your bikes again.

Aside from its usual function in keeping your body healthy, sweaty and moving, bicycling had deeper benefits that you might want to know so as to spark your liking in doing this activity again.

Bicycling is a physical activity that’s best done in the early morning, before going to your daily responsibilities and when the sun is not on it’s’ zenith.

When you do biking in this specific time frame, the healthy glow of the sun will do wonders for you as this eliminates cortisols, stress-related hormones known to kill your sleeping patterns and is a contributing factor for sedentary insomnia. Biking would do you well when you hit the sack and gets your body clock back onto its healthy cycle.

When you ride your trusted bicycle, the body is mobile which equates to better blood circulation. 

When this occurs, huge probabilities of keeping a healthy, glowing skin would be inevitable.

Sweating is also a proven form of releasing harmful toxins out of your body and this would lead to cleaner and fresher skin which is the end-result of collagen production and regeneration.

The continuous and jolted blood circulation also will do wonders on your memory. The brain region called hippocampus, the one responsible for sharpness of memory, is being targeted as a site in building a mass of brain cells after a daily session of being back on the bike track.

While it is a domino effect that when one used bicycling as a form of an exercise, it should follow that the whole body would be sapping all the benefits it can get from it.

Various study cases have found out that because your body is well and active while pedaling, it can aid you in improving your vascular health (increased stamina in sex), ward you off some harmful cancer cells (unidentified and still in study), lowering down risks of heart and cardiovascular diseases, boost your breathing and respiration, burn buttocks and leg fat more efficiently and can amazingly lengthen your lifespan after all the medical benefits stated above.

Bicycling is also one way for you to contribute in lessening pollution by smoke emissions. If your destination is a stone throw away from your residence, getting that biker alter-ego working would help your community in managing traffic, save parking space, allot your money for transportation into more meaningful needs and low down, if not eliminate issues with air pollution.

Your one small act can inspire others to follow suit, too, maybe not now but in the long run. More and more countries have been promoting bike lanes on huge highways to pave safety for those who choose to use bicycles over their cars.

And one last benefit that bicycling can provide you with is the freedom and joy that this have made you feel on your earlier years. The liberty of maneuvering and pedaling is such an experience to eliminate altogether. Be a kid and help yourself in being healthier, jump on that bike and pedal on.

http://laurenceourac.com/pedal-your-way-to-a-healthier-existence/

Keep your herbs at close range through growing them at home

We’ve been talking about powerful herbs since the time that we’ve had biology and the hush hush about their immense capabilities in aiding the body, its wellness and other functions.

We’ve been acquainted by a lot of herbal names that are surprisingly not just used to add pumps of flavors on our meals but for their medicinal properties that are second to none.

Herbs are normally small in size, climate sensitive and are very difficult to grow if not properly executed. Bottom-line, no matter how urgent you are in growing these mighty spawns of nature, you’d still need to know some tips and techniques in order for you to be a successful herb grower.

Channel the inner green-thumbed alter ego that’s been hiding on the outskirts of your subconscious and start the challenging task of herb planting at the comforts of your very own home!

Treat this as a garden project. Herbs are known best used when it’s a freshly-picked one, and there’s no other way for it be the freshest that it can be when you’re just going to snatch it off on your own garden, right? The power of herbs lies on the very thought that it should be placed on a temperature based on its shelf life, and you must be sensitive enough to know first which is which before you start digging and planting.

The most known herbs are said to be best planted on areas or climates that are temperate and sunny. Think of the tropicals and the blessing brought about by sunshine, humidity and balanced general temperature.

A summer-y location would equate to a relatively good type of soil that’s well-drained because of evaporation. Herbs are known to have a better affinity with a tended soil that’s straying away from the wet, muddy class.

Herbs are also grown not all year round and follow a specific setting when it comes to blooming and fruition. Better yet, be informed that herbs can be grown annually, biennial and perennial. Dills and basils are known to be under the annual class, parsley for the biennial and rosemary or chives for continuous and various seasons.

You might be surprised that herbs like basil, parsley and dill won’t take too much time into sprouting and can just take a few weeks while some plants are too sensitive for ultra fast growing and needed to be purchased first as a developed plant such as thyme and rosemary.

One more consideration that you must bear in mind is that herbs hate humid and wet-prone places. Put your best efforts in placing your nursed herb seeds or plants on areas that are being covered by sunlight, dry countertops and well-ventilated shelves.

Putting them on regular-sized pots is also the way to go when you think of the space that your trusty little herb might consume. In line with keeping your herbs dry, look out for sage, thyme and oregano on following the ‘less water, sure grow’ rule and leave the plants alone.

Refrain from keeping a clingy connection with the said plants if all you want to do is to water them every single time.

When its harvest time, bear in mind that not all herbs are best refrigerated. Marjoram, sage, oregano and thyme are best kept chilled and can be enjoyed and used all year round.

Tender herbs such as dill, cilantro and parsley are best used right after you picked it from your soil pot as freshness is overflowing at the time you plucked it out.

Best time to harvest your own grown herbs is during the early morning time and when the sun is not too high.

http://laurenceourac.com/keep-your-herbs-at-close-range-through-growing-them-at-home/